The writer pens for the OC Metro, in Orange County CA, where Santa Ana is one of the most “hispanic” American towns. Another is San Antonio, TX.
I call a lot of the food “American Southwest” because it originates in both Mexico, as well as the old West whereby cattle drives brought along a cook, his supplies, and the cook was often Mexican.
He brought bags of dried beans, to soak and cook.
And they took beef from the cattle they drove.
Finally came the flavorings, etc.
Today the Chipotle chain reflects this American Southwest style, for me. Started in Denver.
A smaller chain called Freebirds is like Chipotle. Started in Santa Barbara CA, and Austin TX.
El Pollo Loco started in Mexico, then to the US. This Mexican style fast food restaurant is notable, because the Mexicans go there. For good reason, excellent eats.
Finally as a lifelong SoCal person, I remember working near East LA and going for some “authentic” mexican lunches.
Still do that, with a lawyer friend, and we go to downtown Tustin, near Santa Ana....talk about a busy little place, full of Anglos gobbling up “authentic” style.
And I have seen authentic potato burritos, in “authentic” places.
I can attest to that. Love me some El Pollo Loco. I also used to be nuts about Alcapulco, and too many hole-in-the-walls to count. I've been in Texas nearly seven years now, and still haven't found anything to replace the Mexican restaurants I loved in L.A.